COVID-19 FAQs

What is the COVID-19 Virus?
The COVID-19 virus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. It was first discovered in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

What are the symptoms and complications that the COVID-19 virus can cause?
Common symptoms often reported by patients with COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

What kills the COVID-19 Virus?
Washing your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water, and drying hands thoroughly using paper towels or a warm air dryer. These do not kill the virus: Using UV lamps; spraying your body with alcohol or chlorine.

How long does it take for the COVID-19 virus to make you sick?
It takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.

Can packages mailed from China give me the COVID-19 virus?
No. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus because it does not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.

Can my house pet get the COVID-19 virus and give it to me?
Currently, there is no evidence that pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the COVID-19 virus. Always wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets to prevent your pet from passing common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella to you.

I had the pneumonia vaccine, does it protect me against the COVID-19 virus?
No. Currently there is no vaccine for the COVID-19 virus.

Does using a nasal rinse or mouth wash protect me against the COVID-19 virus?
No. Using nasal rinses regularly helps manage allergy symptoms and help you recover more quickly from the common cold. There is no evidence that mouthwash protects you from the COVID-19 virus.

Does eating garlic help protect me from the COVID-19 virus?
Garlic does have some antimicrobial properties, but there is no evidence that eating garlic can protect you from the COVID-19 virus.

Does sesame seed oil on my skin block the COVID-19 virus?
No.

What age groups are most susceptible to the COVID-19 virus?
People with medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, and older people are more vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus and the related COVID-19 disease, but anyone of any age can be infected. Protect yourself by using good hand and respiratory hygiene.

Can antibiotics prevent and treat the the COVID-19 virus?
No, antibiotics are only an effective treatment for bacterial infections. Some patients who are hospitalized for COVID-19, may receive antibiotics for possible bacterial co-infection.

What can I do to prevent getting sick from the COVID-19 virus?

Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer